"It's very important that we address this issue to protect the history that made us who we are today as a state and as a country," Allen said. "The role that our state played in the formation of the history of this nation is very important."

Opponents of the bill say the Legislature has no business telling cities, counties and local entities that they can't move a statue or rename a building or street.

"This is their own property," Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, said. "They're going to have to ask the state of Alabama whether or not they can move their own property that they maintain."

Local entities that violated the law, as determined by the attorney general, would be subject to a $25,000 fine, according to the bill.

The bill lays out a detailed process for how local entities would apply for a waiver to the Committee on Alabama Monument Protection.

The committee would include four legislators, two mayors, one county commissioner and four members of the public.

The members would be appointed by the governor and legislative leaders.